Topic:Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy in horses is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint-related conditions. This technique involves the insertion of a small camera, known as an arthroscope, into the joint through a small incision, allowing veterinarians to visualize the interior of the joint in detail. Arthroscopy is employed to identify and address issues such as cartilage damage, joint inflammation, and the presence of loose bodies within the joint. It is a valuable tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the applications, techniques, and outcomes of arthroscopic procedures in equine medicine.
Synovial membrane microarthroscopy of the equine midcarpal joint. To evaluate the value of microarthroscopy in the equine midcarpal joint using the vital stains methylene blue, trypan blue, neutral red, and Janus green B to observe components of the synovial lamina propria, vascular architecture, and synoviocytes. Methods: Experimental. Methods: Ten horses. Methods: Microarthroscopy of left and right midcarpal joints was performed with and without vital staining of the synovium. Four vital stains (methylene blue, trypan blue, neutral red, and Janus green B) were evaluated, with each stain used in 5 joints. Synovial biopsy specimens were collected from the do...
Chip fractures from the distal lateral trochlear ridge of the talus of a quarter horse gelding: a veterinary medicine clinical report. An eighteen-month old quarter horse gelding was diagnosed with chip fractures from the distal lateral trochlear ridge of the talus. The horse presented with the symptom of persistent synovitis. The diagnosis was based on radiographic evidence. The horse was treated initially with arthroscopic surgery. He was given a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, and a chondroprotective agent to prevent further damage to, and aid in the healing of, the damaged joint.
Septic arthritis and granulomatous synovitis caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium complex in a horse. A 12-year-old American Saddlebred gelding was referred to a veterinary teaching hospital for evaluation of a chronic lameness problem in the right radiocarpal joint. The horse had been treated for osteoarthritis of the right radiocarpal joint with multiple injections of cortisone during the past 3 years. The horse was severely lame on the right forelimb at a trot. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a 3 x 2-cm lytic defect in the distal portion of the radius and periarticular bone proliferation around the right radiocarpal joint. Ultrasonography of the distal portion of the radius rev...
Gas arthroscopy for removal of osteochondral fragments of the palmar/plantar aspect of the metacarpo/metatarsophalangeal joint in horses. To evaluate the use of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) gas for joint distention during arthroscopy for removal of osteochondral (OC) fragments of the palmar/plantar aspect of the metacarpo (MCP)/metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints in horses. Methods: Clinical study. Methods: Horses (26) with OC fragment(s) of palmar/plantar aspect of 1 or 2 MCP/MTP joint(s). Methods: OC fragments were removed using arthroscopic technique. Joint distention was maintained by isotonic Ringer's acetate at the beginning and at the end of the procedure but during fragment removal, CO(2) was used for joint distention. After surg...
Destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization in three horses. To describe focal destructive lesions of the proximal sesamoid bones (PSBs) as a complication of dorsal metatarsal artery catheterization performed for direct blood pressure monitoring during equine general anesthesia. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Three client-owned horses. Methods: A dorsal metatarsal artery was catheterized in each of 3 horses for direct blood pressure monitoring during anesthesia. Radiography, ultrasonography, synoviocentesis, and arthroscopy were used to diagnose postoperative lameness that occurred in the limb used for blood pressure monitoring. Results: Horses ...
Surgical and nonsurgical management of sagittal slab fractures of the third carpal bone in racehorses: 32 cases (1991-2001). To compare results (ie, return to racing and earnings per race start) of surgical versus nonsurgical management of sagittal slab fractures of the third carpal bone in racehorses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 32 racehorses (19 Thoroughbreds, 11 Standardbreds, and 2 Arabians). Methods: Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment and treatment. Follow-up information was obtained from race records. Robust regression analysis was performed to evaluate earnings per start in horses that raced at least once before and after injury. Results: 22 (69...
Effect of age at presentation on outcome following arthroscopic debridement of subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle: 85 horses (1993–2003). Subchondral cystic lesions of the medial femoral condyle (SCMFC) are well documented in horses < or =3 years; arthroscopic debridement or enucleation of the cyst is currently the surgical treatment of choice. However, studies of occurence and outcome following surgery in older horses are lacking. Objective: To identify factors important in outcome for horses with SCMFC treated by arthroscopic debridement. Objective: Age of horse at presentation has a significant influence on return to work following arthroscopic treatment for SCMFC. Clinical and diagnostic findings are also significant with re...
Prevalence and response to surgical treatment of lateral palmar intercarpal ligament avulsion in horses: 37 cases (1990-2001). To clarify the diagnosis of avulsion of the lateral palmar intercarpal ligament (LPICL), correlate avulsion of this ligament with lameness, determine the prevalence of avulsion of the LPICL in a hospital population, and evaluate the response to surgical removal of the avulsion fragment in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 37 horses with avulsion of the LPICL. Methods: Medical records and radiographs of horses with avulsion of the LPICL were reviewed; follow-up information was obtained from race records and from owners via a telephone survey. Results: Of 6,418 horses evaluated for ...
Arthroscopic treatment of temporomandibular joint sepsis in a horse. To report arthroscopic debridement and lavage of a septic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a horse. Methods: Clinical case report. Methods: A 12-year-old Thoroughbred mare. Methods: Arthroscopic investigation of the dorsal joint pouch of the right TMJ was made through a stab incision into the dorsocaudal compartment. Mechanized resection of synovium and fibrinous debris combined with copious lavage, and intra-articular and systemic antibiotic administration was used to treat the septic TMJ. Results: Arthroscopic debridement and lavage of the TMJ, in combination with intra-articular and systemi...
Autologous osteochondral grafting (mosaic arthroplasty) for treatment of subchondral cystic lesions in the equine stifle and fetlock joints. To describe treatment of equine subchondral bone cysts (SBCs) by reconstruction of the articular surface with osteochondral grafts. Methods: Case series of horses with SBCs unresponsive to conservative therapy. Methods: Eleven horses (1-12 years). Methods: SBCs were identified in 4 locations: medial femoral condyle (5 horses), lateral femoral condyle (1), distal epiphysis of the metacarpus (4), or metatarsus (1). Osteochondral autograft transplantation (mosaic arthroplasty) was performed, taking grafts from the abaxial border of the medial femoral trochlea of the unaffected limb. Graft implant...
Enhanced concentration of COMP (cartilage oligomeric matrix protein) in osteochondral fractures from racing Thoroughbreds. The aim of the present study was to correlate the levels of COMP and aggrecan as indicators of tissue damage, in synovial fluid (sf) from carpal joints of acutely lame racehorses, with macroscopical lesions of articular cartilage (OA), osteochondral fractures and ligament tears found at arthroscopy. Sixty-three lame horses [49 Standardbred trotters (STB) and 14 Thoroughbreds (TB)] in conventional training and racing that underwent arthroscopy of their middle carpal or radiocarpal joints were included in the study. Intact as well as fragmented COMP and aggrecan released into the synovial fluid ...
Arthroscopic reattachment of osteochondritis dissecans lesions using resorbable polydioxanone pins. Debridement of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) cartilage lesions results in fibrocartilage and imperfect hyaline repair tissue, and forms a permanent irregularity to the subchondral bone plate. Objective: To evaluate the clinical, radiographic and outcome effects of OCD cartilage flap reattachment for select lesions as an alternative to OCD debridement. Objective: Separated cartilage flaps resulting from OCD lesions may be re-incorporated into the hyaline cartilage surface by reattachment rather than debridement and removal. Methods: Resorbable polydioxanone pins were used to reattach OCD flap...
Arthroscopic removal of axial osteochondral fragments of the proximoplantar aspect of the proximal phalanx using electrocautery probes in 23 standardbred racehorses. To describe the outcome after arthroscopic electrosurgical excision of axial osteochondral (OC) fragments of the proximal plantar aspect of the 1st phalanx (P1) in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: Twenty-three Standardbred racehorses. Methods: Medical records of Standardbred racehorses that had arthroscopic dissection of axial OC fragments of the proximal plantar aspect of P1 with electrocautery probes were reviewed. Horses were positioned in dorsal recumbency; a 1.5% glycine solution was used to maintain joint distension. The arthroscope portal was in the proximal plantar joint ...
Arthroscopic findings in horses with subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions of the medial femoral condyle: 15 cases (1995-2002). To determine arthroscopic findings in lame horses with subtle radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 15 horses examined because of lameness that had subtle radiographic evidence of osteochondral lesions involving the medial femoral condyle in at least 1 joint. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and results of physical examination, radiography, and arthroscopy were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained through reexamination of the horses or telephone conversations with the referring veterinarians, owners, or trainers. Results: Lame...
Arthroscopic debridement of subchondral bone cysts in the distal phalanx of 11 horses (1994-2000). Historically, there has been a consensus that conservative management of subchondral cystic lesions of the distal phalanx carries a poor prognosis. Surgical management has been advocated; however, there are no reports documenting its routine use and successful surgical treatment. Objective: To describe arthroscopically-guided curettage of distal phalangeal subchondral cystic lesions (SCLs) and report the qualitative and quantitative results in 11 affected horses age 16-33 months. Methods: Medical records of horses with previously treated lameness resulting from SCLs of the third phalanx were r...
Accuracy of diagnostic arthroscopy for the assessment of cartilage damage in the equine metacarpophalangeal joint. There are many noninvasive diagnostic methods used for evaluating chronic progressive joint disease, but each has severe limitations in the detection of early articular cartilage damage. Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of arthroscopy as a diagnostic method for the assessment of the severity of cartilage surface damage on the proximal articular margin of the equine first phalanx (P1). Objective: That arthroscopic assessment of the visible cartilage provides 1) a good indication of the integrity of the cartilage surface and 2) a good estimation of the status of the cartilage surface of the e...
Use of magnetic resonance imaging for identifying subchondral bone damage in horses: 11 cases (1999-2003). To assess the use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for identifying subchondral bone damage in the distal limbs of horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 11 horses. Methods: Medical records of horses with lameness and subsequent evidence of subchondral bone damage as determined by MR imaging were reviewed. Severity and duration of lameness, results of diagnostic local anesthesia and diagnostic testing, surgical and necropsy findings, and treatment were recorded. Outcome was determined by follow-up information obtained from the owner or referring veterinarian. Results: Lameness was loc...
Effect of radiosynovectomy with holmium-166 ferric hydroxide macroaggregate on adult equine cartilage. To analyze the effect of radiosynovectomy with holmium-166 ferric hydroxide macroaggregate (166Ho-FHMA) on articular cartilage in 6 adult horses. Methods: Arthritic changes and mechanical properties of articular cartilage were evaluated with arthroscopy and postmortem microscopic analyses. Glycosaminoglycan content was measured by safranin-O staining combined with digital densitometry, uronic acid analyses, and dimethylene blue binding assay. 35S-sulfate labeling and autoradiography were used to localize proteoglycan synthesis and to characterize proteoglycan structures using SDS-agarose gel e...
Exostoses of the caudal perimeter of the radial physis as a cause of carpal synovial sheath tenosynovitis and lameness in horses: 10 cases (1999-2003). To determine the clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and arthroscopic findings associated with tenosynovitis of the carpal synovial sheath induced by exostoses that originate from the caudal surface of the physeal scar of the distal radius and determine the results of surgical removal of those exostoses in horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 10 horses. Methods: Medical records of horses with effusion in the carpal synovial sheath and lameness evaluated from 1999 to 2003 were examined. Results: All horses had a history of intermittent mild to moderate effusion of the carpal syn...
Preliminary evaluation of a behaviour-based system for assessment of post-operative pain in horses following arthroscopic surgery. To develop a method for objective assessment of equine post-operative pain. Methods: Prospective nonblinded clinical study. Methods: Twelve adult horses: Group 1 (G1, n = 6), admitted for arthroscopy (under general anaesthesia, with multimodal analgesia); Group 2 (G2, n = 6), 'pain free' controls. Methods: Horses were filmed continuously (CVI, time-lapse video recorder) over 72 hours, from 24 hours pre-surgery (PS) to 48 hours post-recovery (PR) (G1), and over 24 hours (G2). Activity budgets were determined from 24 to 0 hours PS, 0-24 and 24-48 hours PR (G1) and for 24 hours (G2). Using direct...
Meniscal tears in horses: an evaluation of clinical signs and arthroscopic treatment of 80 cases. There is little published information available describing clinical signs, arthroscopic findings and prognosis of meniscal injuries in horses. Objective: To evaluate the effect on the outcome not only of the arthroscopic findings and treatment, but also of the clinical and radiographic signs in these horses. Methods: The following were recorded for each case: the meniscal injury, graded according to severity; clinical and radiographic findings prior to surgery; any concurrent injury in the joint seen at arthroscopy. The effect of these factors and the grade of injury on the outcome were analys...
Radiation synovectomy with holmium-166 ferric hydroxide macroaggregate in equine metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints. To evaluate the effects of radiation synovectomy (RSYN) with holmium-166 ferric hydroxide macroaggregate (Ho-166 FHMA) on synovium and synovial fluid in normal metacarpo- and metatarsophalangeal joints of horses and to determine intraarticular distribution of radioactivity after Ho-166 FHMA treatment. Methods: Either Ho-166 FHMA or nonradioactive Ho-165 FHMA was injected into metacarpo- or metatarsophalangeal joints. Methods: Six adult mixed-breed horses without any clinical evidence of metacarpo- or metatarsophalangeal joint disease. Methods: Joints were injected with a single high dose of Ho...
Evaluation of a cranial arthroscopic approach to the stifle joint for the treatment of femorotibial joint disease in horses: 23 cases (1998-1999). To describe a single-portal cranial arthroscopic approach to the stifle joint in horses and to determine the clinical outcome in horses with femorotibial joint disease in which this approach was used. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 23 adult horses. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to obtain information on clinical outcome in horses in which the single-portal cranial arthroscopic approach was used. Results: Twenty-nine stifle joints of 23 horses were examined arthroscopically, using the described approach. Subchondral bone cysts were treated in 19 medial femoral condyles of 12 hor...
Postoperative infection with Actinobacillus spp in horses: 10 cases (1995-2000). To determine features of postoperative wound infection caused by Actinobacillus spp in horses undergoing clean, elective surgery and to evaluate bacterial susceptibility profiles of bacteria isolated. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: 10 horses. Methods: Data were retrieved from medical records and the microbiology laboratory database. Results: 1,604 horses underwent clean, elective surgical procedures during the study period. Of these, 23 (1.43%) had postoperative wound infections, and Actinobacillus spp was isolated from 10 of these 23 (43%). Surgical procedures in these 10 horses inclu...
[Direct endoscopic approach improves prognosis of septic-synovitis in the horse]. The medical records of 71 horses with sepic arthritis, bursitis, or tenosynovitis, treated between 1996 and 2001 at Dierenkliniek Enmeloord, were reviewed. A total number of 81 joints, tendon sheaths and bursae were treated (21 tarsi, 17 digital tendon sheaths, 14 metacarpo/metatarso-phalangeal joints, 12 stifles, 6 carpi, 4 coffin joints, 2 navicular bursae, 1 elbow joint, 1 proximal-interphalangeal joint, 1 tarsal sheath, 1 bursa calcanei subtendineum). The aetiology in 42 cases was a penetrating wound (group 1), in 4 cases an intra-articular injection, and in 2 cases arthroscopic surgery (g...
Synovial regeneration in the equine carpus after arthroscopic mechanical or carbon dioxide laser synovectomy. To compare synovial regeneration in the equine carpus after mechanical or CO(2) laser synovectomy. Methods: Arthroscopic partial synovectomy was performed in the radiocarpal and intercarpal joints. Methods: Twelve horses, 3 to 6 years of age, were randomly divided into 3 groups. Methods: The antebrachiocarpal and intercarpal joints in each horse were randomly assigned a treatment such that each horse had one joint treated as a control (arthroscopic lavage), one in which a mechanical or CO(2) laser partial dorsal carpal synovectomy was performed, and one in which a combination of the mechanical...
Epidural morphine and detomidine decreases postoperative hindlimb lameness in horses after bilateral stifle arthroscopy. To determine whether preoperative epidural administration of morphine and detomidine would decrease postoperative lameness after bilateral stifle arthroscopy in horses. Methods: Prospective clinical controlled study. Methods: Eight adult horses that had bilateral arthroscopic procedures, including drilling of cartilage and subchondral bone within the femoropatellar joints. Methods: Horses were randomly separated into 2 groups. Preoperatively, 4 horses were administered a combination of epidural morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and detomidine (30 microg/kg), and 4 horses were administered an equivalent vol...
Arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal chip fractures of the proximal phalanx in standing horses. To report a technique for, and outcome after, arthroscopic removal of dorsoproximal chip fractures of a proximal phalanx in standing horses. Methods: Retrospective study. Methods: A total of 104 horses, 1 to 13 years of age, with a dorsoproximal chip fracture of a proximal phalanx. Methods: Horses were restrained in standing stocks and sedated with intravenous xylazine, detomidine, or a combination of both drugs. Local analgesia was achieved with 2% mepivacaine administered intra-articularly and by subcutaneous infiltration in a crescent-shaped block dorsal to the fetlock. Sterile drapes were ...